Austrian leads Olympic ski jumping qualifying

SOCHI, Russia, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Michael Hayboeck of Austria turned in the best effort Saturday in qualifying for Sunday's final in the Olympic normal hill ski jumping event.

Hayboeck jumped 101 meters. Andreas Wank of Germany sailed slightly farther but was judged to have had a more favorable wind, so Hayboeck received a score of 128.6 while Wank wound up at 127.9.

Reruhi Shimizu of Japan qualified third, followed by Anders Fannemel of Norway and Maciej Kot of Poland.

Those expected to contend for the medals were given a bye into the finals. There were 10 who did not have to qualify, including defending gold medalist Simon Ammann of Switzerland. Ammann won the event in 2002.

The silver medalist from the Vancouver Olympics, Gregor Schlierenzauer, was also given a bye into the finals.

In addition to the round of qualifying in the men's event, women took part in a ski jumping training run for the first time in Olympic history.

The women competitors had the opportunity to take three jumps on the hill where they will compete Tuesday.

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